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Browns Nab Hoyer As Starter, Not Manziel

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 18: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 18, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Quarterback Brian Hoyer (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND (CBSDFW.COM) — The highest profile position battle on one of the league’s worst teams is finally over — at least for now.

The Cleveland Browns have named Brian Hoyer as the team’s starter moving forward, leaving first round pick Johnny Manziel as a backup.

Both players have struggled this preseason, but Browns head coach Mike Pettine had previously stated his desire to name a starting quarterback by week 3 of the preseason.

Hoyer, a 6th-year veteran from Michigan State, has completed 8-of-20 passes for 108 yards (0 TD/0 INT). He has appeared in 18 career games (13 in NE), completing 59.4 percent of his passes with 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

The former Texas A&M Heisman Trophy winner was caught raising his middle finger toward the opponents’ bench in Monday night’s 24-23 loss to Washington. Pettine said the gesture “did not sit well” with him, calling it disappointing.

Cleveland plays St. Louis on Saturday night.

The team opens the regular season with games at Pittsburgh, against the Saints, and against the Ravens before a week 4 bye.